FX on Hulu’s A Teacher, is a drama adapted from a movie of the same name, but starring a few more recognizable names and the ability to flesh the story out a bit more. I think this would have to be every filmmakers dream. Getting to tell a story that you’re passionate about in two different channels has to feel good. There were also enough years separating the two that creator, Hannah Fidell, could take the time to figure out parts she wanted to explore more deeply, or add more fine details to certain scenes.
I will say that I did not watch the movie, nor do I have any intention to. My sister did, however, and she claims that the show stays true to the film, but almost to a fault. The story follows a new teacher, Mrs. Claire Wilson, who starts a relationship with one of her students, Eric Walker. Even though at first you may be inclined to say that Eric is the one who started the relationship, which yes, he did kiss her first, it was in fact Claire who was instigating almost everything from the start.
She agreed to tutor Eric, insisted that he call her Claire, and even gave him rides home and got him out of an underage drinking citation. It was not too long after that Eric started falling for her. Claire seemed pretty into the attention, and even though at first she turned Eric down, she caved pretty easily afterwards. She initiated sex on almost every occasion, too. While she was busy having an affair with Eric, she was also holding her husband and the steps to making a family at arm’s length.
After Claire gets a burst of satisfaction about the affair, she tells a co-worker about it. Thankfully, she reports Claire. I feel like this sort of crap happens in real life and there are plenty of people who would just ignore it or sweep it under the rug. Of course, Claire’s life is put through the wringer and she spends six months in jail. Afterwards, she has a hard time getting back into normal life because she still lives in the same town and now has a misdemeanor on her record. Eventually her and her husband divorce, she moves in with her dad, and he gets her a job.
While Claire’s life seems like a spiral to her, it’s nothing compared to the psychological toll that’s plaguing Eric. When he starts college he decides to rush a fraternity, but that becomes too much. Eventually, so does his school work. After he has a conversation with a girl at a bar, he finally realizes how much his relationship with Claire has ruined his life. He seeks help and is able to get back on track.
That’s not to say he’s still not affected by torment of the relationship. In a 10-year flash-forward, we see Eric back home to attend his high school reunion. On his way he stops and sees Claire at a grocery store. It appears she was able to come out on top with a family, but Eric is visibly shaken. He agrees to meet with Claire for lunch, but it’s clear she does not see herself as responsible for what happened in all of this. Luckily, Eric is now mentally equipped to just walk away. Claire will have to carry her guilt (deservedly) for the rest of her life.
This show was not afraid to shy away from anything and that made it that much more realistic. Also, Eric’s monologue at the restaurant is like a punch to the gut, and I imagine it had the impact on Claire that he was hoping for. Even though she never ends up taking responsibility for what she did, at least Eric knows he’s not in the wrong, and that she holds no power over him anymore. I can’t believe stuff like this happens in real life. A great, short miniseries if you’re in the market for some heavy material.